Davidson Hospitality Group has promoted six executives as part of its long-term growth plan, including Steve Margol, chief investment officer, transitioning to executive chairman effective Jan. 1, 2025.
“It’s always special when we can announce the career progression of our team members,” said Thom Geshay, CEO/president. “Supporting our growth by promoting team members from within is the life blood of our company. A critical factor in our industry leading team-member engagement and low turnover is our team-first philosophy of not just being a place to work, but a company where you can advance your career. It’s the key ingredient to our culture.”
Margol’s promotion coincides with the transition of John Belden, Davidson’s current executive chairman and former CEO, to chairman emeritus at the end of the year.
In his new role, Margol will focus on the launch of the company’s strategic growth plan, working alongside Davidson executive leadership and ownership, and will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance to both the company and the acquisitions and business development effort with Jason Rabidoux overseeing day-to-day leadership of the team.
Jason Rabidoux, previously SVP within the acquisitions and business development team, has been promoted to EVP, acquisitions and business development. Since joining the Davidson family in 2013, he has played an integral role in the growth of Davidson’s portfolio of hotels and resorts, according to the company. Under his leadership, the portfolio has grown by more than 50 hotels and resorts, with the team directly involved in more than $2 billion in real estate acquisitions alongside Davidson’s public and private partners.
Josie Strang, who joined Davidson in 2018 as a financial analyst on the acquisitions and business development team, has been promoted to VP. In her new role, she will take on greater responsibility for new management and acquisition opportunities and will help to develop junior members of the team.
Paul Eckert, who joined as SVP, operations, has been promoted to EVP, operations, overseeing a portfolio of complex assets. In his new role, he will focus on shaping and strengthening teams and processes within his portfolio.
Lucas Laidlaw, previously regional director, operations, has been promoted to regional VP, operations, working within the portfolio led by Eckert. In his new role, he will be directly responsible for results within his portfolio and will be joining the Curator Hotels & Resorts board.
Thomas Fraher, formerly area VP, operations for the Florida region within Davidson Resorts, has been promoted to regional VP, operations and will oversee the Eastern region within Davidson Resorts. In his new role, Fraher is responsible for guiding the operation of multiple complex resorts in the Eastern U.S.
